Aqueous, non-corrosive, composition with detergent for rust and stain removal

ABSTRACT

A non-corrosive, biodegradable, acidic aqueous composition with an anionic surfactant for the removal of rust, inorganic and organic deposits from a variety of surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a chemical composition for the removal ofcalcium and mineral deposits from a variety of surfaces and moreparticularly to an aqueous chemical composition, with a low pH,comprising the mixtures of Hydrochloric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, AnionicSurfactant, Perfume oil, Dye and Water.

2. Description of the Prior Art

One of the problems which the teachings of the present invention areintended to solve is that of the staining of the surfaces of porcelainwater-receiving articles. In addition, the present composition will beuseful for the removal of calcium and mineral deposits, scale, oil,slime, scum, and urinal salts, on a variety of surfaces including,concrete, tile, fiberglass, vinyl, porcelain, stucco, and includingmetals, iron, steel, and enameled coated metals.

Several prior art patents attempt to solve the above problems indifferent ways. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,984 to Hutchings et aldiscloses a cleaning composition comprising a water-dissipatablepolyester polymer which is the reaction product of a difunctional acid,a difunctional sulfonometer, and a glycol. Hutchings et al alsodiscusses the use of hydrochloric acid and a surfactant such as sodiumdodecylbenzene sulfonate and a perfume.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,300 to Kurtz discloses a method and composition toinhibit staining of porcelain surfaces by manganese and was mentioned inthe patent to Hutchings et al. Kurtz discloses the use of a staininhibiting agent, dyes, perfumes, and disinfecting solutions.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,872 to Callicott discloses a composition to inhibitstaining of porcelain surfaces by manganese. Callicott also discussesthe use of sulfonic acid as a surfactant.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,339 to Doumit discloses a descaler composition andmethod of removing of scale from fresh water production equipment. Thecomposition contains a blend of three acids of varying strengths, andincluding hydrochloric acid, dichloroacetic acid, and acetic acid. Italso contains a surfactant such as isopropyl alcohol which providessurfactant properties and also reacts with the acids. The compositionalso includes an acid-base indicator such as methyl orange.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,528 to Arrington et al discloses a method ofremoving iron and copper-containing scale from a metal surface with acomposition comprising an admixture of an aminocarboxylic acid, or thealkali metal salts or ammonium salts or amine salts and a phosphonicacid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,676 to Stone discloses a chemical composition of avery low pH mixture of hydrochloric and phosphoric acids with organicammonium and organic sulfate.

The broad concept of cleaning fluids comprising acids and surfactants isshown by the cited references. None of the references show or suggestthe combination of the invention described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an aqueous chemicalcomposition, with a low pH, comprising the mixtures of HydrochloricAcid, Phosphoric Acid, Anionic surfactant, Perfume Oil, Dye and water.The composition, because of its surfactant Properties, (wetting agentand detergent), along with its blends of Hydrochloric Acid, PhosphoricAcid, provides long lasting contact surface on vertical and horizontalsurfaces for the removal of calcium and mineral deposits, scale, rust,oil, slime, scum, and urinal salts, on a variety of surfaces including,plastic, concrete, tile, fiberglass, vinyl, stone, porcelain, stucco,and metals, iron, steel, and enameled, coated metals.

Furthermore, because of the mixtures and blends of hydrochloric acid,phosphoric acid, anionic surfactant, perfume oil, dye and water, theaqueous chemical composition contains no pungent odors, is relativelyinnocuous to organic materials, and is non-corrosive to metals, and canbe used for indoor and outdoor use.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improvedaqueous composition, with a low pH, to provide for the removal of rust,mineral deposits and stains resulting from a variety of surfaces.

It is another object of the invention to enhance the usefulness of theaqueous chemical composition that is non-corrosive to metals and isrelatively innocuous to organic materials.

A still further object of the invention is to use an anionic surfactantwhich is environmentally safe, and biodegradable, stable in a solutionwith a low pH and serves as a wetting agent as well as a detergent.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide perfume oil to removethe pungent odors of the blended acids.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a dye to indicatethe presence or absence of the solution on a surface to be cleaned.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The aqueous cleaning composition of the present invention comprises, ona weight basis by percentage (%), from about 1% to 15%, preferably fromabout 10% to 14.6% wt. of Hydrochloric Acid, from about 1% to 12% ofPhosphoric Acid, preferably from about 9% to 11% of Phosphoric Acid,from about 1% to 10% wt. of Anionic Surfactant, preferably from about 2%to 3%, from about 0.05% to 3% wt. of Perfume Oil, preferably 1% to 2%wt. of Perfume Oil, and a Dye, less than 5%, preferably 0.25% to 1% wt.of dye, the balance with water.

EXAMPLE 1

Table I lists the compounds of the aqueous chemical solution in terms ofpercent (%) by weight, in one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                        Hydrochloric Acid      10%      wt.                                           Phosphoric Acid        9%                                                     2 Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid                                                                       2%                                                     Perfume Oil            1%                                                     Dye                    0.25%                                                  Water                  Balance                                                ______________________________________                                    

The present composition in Table I will be useful for the removal ofcalcium and mineral deposits, scale, oil, slime, scum, and urinal salts,on a variety of surfaces including, concrete, tile, fiberglass, vinyl,stone, porcelain, stucco, including metals, iron, steel, and enamaledcoated metals. The usefulness of the present composition is enhanced byits non-corrosive aspects to metals and other surfaces mentioned above.Also, because of the mixtures and blends of Hydrochloric Acid,Phosphoric Acid, Anionic Surfactant, Perfume Oil, Dye and Water, theaqueous chemical composition contains no pungent odors, which makes itan advantage for indoor and outdoor use, and is relatively innocuous toorganic materials.

The composition was tested by applying a small amount of the preparedaqueous solution onto a rust stain on a vertical stucco surface. Thesolution was allowed to penetrate the stained area for 2 minutes. Afterthe solution was allowed to penetrate the rust stain for 2 minutes, thearea was brushed and rinsed well with water. Upon close observation, therust stained area was completely cleaned. In addition, it was observedthat there was no pungent odor. (Hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as,no acid burns to the stucco surface and subsurfaces (pits and crannies),showing no signs of deterioration. It was also observed that thesolution was clinging to the surface.

EXAMPLE 2

The Table I composition was then tested on a porcelain urinal that wasstained with urinary salts. A small amount of the solution (100 ml) waspoured onto the surface of the stain. The solution was then allowed topenetrate the stained area for 2 minutes. It was observed, that theaqueous chemical solution was clinging to the vertical surface of theporcelain stain. After the solution was allowed to penetrate the stainfor 2 minutes, the area was brushed and rinsed with water. Upon closeobservation, the stained area was quite clean, no signs of the urinarysalts on the porcelain surface. In addition, it was observed that therewas no pungent odor (Hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as, no acid burnsto the porcelain surface. The porcelain surface was smooth to the touch,the chemical composition did not deteriorate the porcelain surface.

EXAMPLE 3

The table I composition was then tested on a ceramic tile, that had acalcium deposit stain. A small amount of the prepared solution (100 ml)was poured onto the stain. The solution was allowed to penetrate thestain for 1-3 minutes. The calcium deposit stain was brushed and rinsedwell. Upon close observation, the calcium stained area was quite clean.Also, it was observed that there was no pungent odor (Hydrochloric Acidfumes), as well as no Acid burns to the ceramic tile. The ceramic tilewas smooth to the touch and the composition did not deteriorate theceramic surface.

EXAMPLE 4

The table I composition was then tested on a steel screwdriver, ironhammerhead, and steel drill bits that had rust stains on them. Each itemwas placed into a glass beaker that contained 150 ml of the aqueoussolution, and the items were allowed to soak for 1-3 minutes. The itemswere brushed, rinsed well and then wiped dry. Upon close observation,about 50-60% of the rust stains were removed from the items. Also, itwas observed that there was no pungent odor, (Hydrochloric Acid fumes),as well as, no acid burns to the metal surfaces, no pitting ordiscoloration to the metal surfaces, as each item was smooth to thetouch. The conclusion to the tests was that the results wereunsatisfactory because of the amount of rust still remaining on thesurface of each metal item.

EXAMPLE 5

The Table I composition was then tested on a vinyl liner surface thatcontained a variety of grease, grime, and oil stains. A small amount ofthe prepared aqueous solution, (100 ml) was poured onto the differentstains of the vinyl liner surface. The solution was allowed to penetratethe stains for 1-2 minutes. After the solution was allowed to penetratethe different stains on the vinyl surface, the stained area was brushedand rinsed well with water. Upon close observation, the stained area wasquite clean. In addition, it was observed that there was no pungentodor, (Hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as no acid burns to the vinylliner surface. The aqueous composition did not deteriorate the vinylliner surface, as it was smooth to the touch.

EXAMPLE 6

The Table I composition was then tested by applying a small amount, (100ml) of the prepared aqueous chemical solution onto a rust stainedenamaled steel surface. The solution was allowed to penetrate thestained area for 1 minute. The rust stained area was then brushed andrinsed well. Upon close observation, the stained area was quite clean.Furthermore, it was observed that there was no pungent odor,(Hydrochloric Acid Fumes), as well as, no acid burns to the enamaledsteel surface. The enamaled steel surface was smooth to the touch, andthe composition did not deteriorate the enamaled steel surface.

EXAMPLE 7

Table II lists the compounds of the aqueous chemical solution in termsof percent (%) by weight, in one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention:

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                        Hydrochloric Acid      14.6%    wt.                                           Phosphoric Acid        11.0%    wt.                                           2 Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid                                                                       3.0%     wt.                                           Perfume Oil            2.0%     wt.                                           Dye                    1.0%     wt.                                           Water                  Balance                                                ______________________________________                                    

The present composition in Table II will be useful for the removal ofCalcium and Mineral deposits, scale, oil, slim, scum, and urinal salts,on a variety of surfaces including, concrete, tile, fiberglass, vinyl,stone, porcelain, stucco, including metals, iron, steel, and enamaledcoated metals. The usefulness of the present composition is enhanced byits con-corrosive aspects to metals, and other surfaces mentioned. Also,because of the mixtures and blends of Hydrochloric Acid, PhosphoricAcid, Anionic Surfactant, Perfume Oil, Dye, and Water. The aqueouschemical composition contains no pungent odors, which makes itadvantageous for indoor and outdoor use, and is relatively innocuous toorganic materials.

The Table II composition was then tested on a vertical concrete surfacethat contained an iron and rust stain. A small amount of the solution(100 ml), was allowed to penetrate the stain for 1 minute. The iron andrust stain was brushed and rinsed well. Upon close observation, the ironand rust stained area was quite clean. It was also observed, that thechemical composition was adhered to the vertical surface, long lastingcontact surface time. Also, it was observed that there was no pungentodor, (Hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as, no acid burns to theconcrete. The concrete surface showed no signs of deterioration.

EXAMPLE 8

The Table II composition was then tested by applying a small amount ofthe prepared aqueous solution (100 ml) onto a rust stained enamaledcoated steel surface. The solution was then allowed to penetrate thestained area for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The rust stained area was thenbrushed and rinsed well. Upon close observation, the stained area wasquite clean. Also, it was observed that there was no pungent odor,(hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as, no acid burns to the enamaledcoated steel surface. The surface was smooth to the touch, and thecomposition did not deteriorate the enamel surface.

EXAMPLE 9

The Table II composition was then tested on a steel screwdriver, an ironhammer head, and steel drill bits, that had rust stains on them. Eachitem was placed into a glass beaker that contained (100 ml) of theaqueous solution and the items were allowed to soak for 30 seconds to 1minute. The items were brushed, rinsed well and then wiped dry. Uponclose observation, the stains on each item, the steel screwdriver, ironhammer head, and steel screwbits, were clean of the rust stains.Furthermore, it was observed that there was no pungent odor,(Hydrochloric Acid Fumes), as well as, no acid burns to the steel andiron surfaces of each item. There was no pitting, or discoloration ofthe surface to each metal surface, as each item was smooth to the touch.

EXAMPLE 10

The Table II composition was then tested on a fiberglass surface thatcontained a rust stain. A small amount of the prepared composition (100ml) was then poured onto the surface of the stain. The solution wasallowed to penetrate the stain for 1-3 minutes. The rust stained areawas then brushed and rinsed well. Upon close observation, the stainedarea was clean. Furthermore, it was also observed that there was nopungent odor (Hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as, no acid burns to thefiberglass surface. The fiberglass surface was smooth to the touch, andthe composition did not deteriorate the fiberglass surface.

EXAMPLE 11

The Table II composition was then tested on a rubberized surface, thatcontained grease and oil stains that stained the surface of thematerial. A small amount (100 ml), of the prepared solution was allowedto penetrate the stain for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The grease and oilstains were then brushed and rinsed well. Upon close observation, thestained area was cleaned. In addition, it was observed that there wereno pungent odors (Hydrochloric Acid fumes), as well as, no acid burns tothe rubberized surface. The rubber surface was smooth to the touch asthere was no deterioration of the rubberized surface.

EXAMPLE 12

The Table II composition was then tested on a cloth fabric that was 100%cotton, that contained a mineral deposit stain that penetrated thecotton cloth fabric. The prepared solution (25 ml) was then poured ontothe stain and allowed to penetrate the stained cotton cloth fabric for10-30 seconds. The stained cloth fabric was then brushed and rinsed verywell with water. Upon close observation, the rust stained area wasclean. Furthermore, it was also observed that there was no pungent odor(Hydrochloric Acid Fumes), as well as, no acid burns to the cotton clothfabric. The cloth fabric was smooth to the touch, and there was nodeterioration to the cotton fabric.

In summation, the instant invention is a chemical composition thatcontains a low pH, for the removal of rust and stains from a variety ofsurfaces (i.e., concrete, fiberglass, etc.), including metals, (iron,steel, enamaled coated metals). The aqueous composition is non-corrosiveto metals and relatively innocuous to organic materials. In addition,there are no deadly acid fumes from hydrochloric acid which is anadvantage for indoor and outdoor use. The use of an Anionic Surfactantfor long lasting contact surface time for horizontal and verticalsurfaces, (wetting agent), as well as, the use of the Anionic Surfactantas a detergent.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics. The present embodimentsare therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes whichcome within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims aretherefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foaming acidic composition of an aqueoussolution of the following compounds, ranging within the stated amountsin terms of percent by weight, with a low pH, for the removal of calciumand mineral deposits from a variety of surfaces, said compositionconsisting of:

    ______________________________________                                        Hydrochloric Acid    1% to 15%                                                Phosphoric Acid      1% to 12%                                                Anionic Surfactant   1% to 10%                                                Perfume Oil          0.53% to 3%                                              Dye                  less than 5%                                             Water                Balance                                                  ______________________________________                                    


2. An acidic cleaning composition of the following compounds, rangingwithin the stated amounts in terms of percent by weight for the removalof calcium and mineral deposits from a variety of surfaces, saidcomposition consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                        Hydrochloric Acid    10% to 14.6%                                             Phosphoric Acid      9% to 11%                                                Anionic Surfactant   2% to 3%                                                 Perfume Oil          1% to 2%                                                 Dye                  0.25% to 1%                                              Water                Balance                                                  ______________________________________                                    


3. The composition of claim 2 wherein said Anionic surfactant is 2Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid.